I have regular panic attacks and dark moods where I can't see anything positive in my life, which is weird because normally I'm such a cheerful person. I've also had a cold and I can't seem to shake it off, I'm still blocked up with an on and off sore throat and itchy ear. Is this normal for the menopause? Does it affect how long it takes to get over viruses?

Falling hormones at this time can affect mood, sometimes quite dramatically, and your mood can also greatly affect your immune system either making you more vulnerable to infection or taking longer to recover.

You may find taking Echinacea helpful at treating your cold symptoms and many women feel better taking a female multi-vitamin with extra magnesium for lifting the mood and reducing panic attacks.

To help support your immune system and to aid recovery you could also consider taking our Immune Support tablets on an on-going basis. This one-a-day supplement contains zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

However, if you feel your mood dropping further it is best to get it checked out by your doctor.

Low iron, low thyroid and low vitamin D can all appear at this stage and cause very similar symptoms so it may be an idea to ask your doctor to test for these just to rule them out.

Eileen Durward